From Appalachian Ohio to Edinburgh, Scotland-- with a little help from my friends

Being from and living in this little spot of Appalachian Ohio has truly made me who I am (not to mention is the soul of most of my art work). I love it for this reason. But, it is well known that not many people have great economic advantages here. You could say I fall into the bottom economic level! However, I have never complained about this situation because I know where real happiness comes from. In light of this, it has been a difficult thing for me to recognize in order for me to do something "bigger," like attend graduate school, I am going to have to figure out ways to achieve more monetary funds.

I've been known to be independent, and for the most part, I believe it is a positive quality. However, I have come to recognize some of this independence comes from my decision to "not be a bother" to others. Now I am entering a time in my life which is full of great change. I have so desperately loved my home and the people from here, but I am so happy to receive the opportunity to move forward to become the full artist that I am. And, since I have been accepted to graduate school in Scotland for fall 2015, I have decided to learn how to be more flexible; therefore, I have had to accept I am most certainly not as independent as I was once so certain!! Community is what I have always believed in, and now I am asking my community for some of that belief, in me, back.

 Below is the link to my account at the crowdfunding site GoFundMe.com. I am applying for scholarships and grants through the University of Edinburgh and other private organizations, but please realize even if I win some of these it will not fulfill my full tuition fee of $25,000 per year (it is a 2 year Masters of Fine Arts).

 I am looking towards a bright future where I live and make my art to the fullest. Please help me to not be overly burdened by the cost of pursuing more education and setting myself up for success!
A million thank you's !!

Please click here to make any contribution to my graduate school tuition fund:

http://www.gofundme.com/jse9mk